Baker Mayfield is going to play out the 2026 season on his current contract. At least that's what it seems like. His damning comments on his failed contract negotiations didn't just send a message to Jason Licht; they sent a message to every QB-needy team in the NFL.
Mayfield previously stated he wouldn't negotiate a new contract once training camp started. It started. Now, it's a matter of Jason Licht upping his "slap-in-the-face" two-year offer that was less than $50 million per season. Why does that matter?
Next year, the Buccaneers can hit him with the Franchise Tag. That would cost them $50 million. That's the base of what he should be paid. If they won't pay it now, will they next offseason when Mayfield's price tag could go higher? If they don't, he is going to sign elsewhere.
Baker Mayfield will have his choice of destinations after Tampa Bay Buccaneer's contract gaff
Quarterback is the most important position on an NFL team's roster; it's also the highest-paid. If Mayfield hits free agency next year, he is going to get paid, and one of these teams will give it to him.
Minnesota Vikings
There is no question the Vikings have a QB issue. J.J. McCarthy hasn't shown much so far, but he is still developing. He needs to do so more quickly. This year will be an important year for him, if he can get on the field. The Vikings are not likely to pick up his 5th-year option if he isn't playing this year. To do that, he needs to beat Kyler Murray, another question mark.
Mayfield makes the Vikings better. He has the "moxie" to get things done. He is a risk taker who tends to fall on the side of making the right decision. His reputation, attitude, and voice in the locker room would elevate the Vikings on the field and off.
Cleveland Browns
Don't laugh, but a return to Cleveland can't be ruled out. There is new management there; Mayfield loved it when he was there. Ownership disrespect can be more forgiving when that owner is listening to the wrong coach or GM. The Browns have a QB problem in that they don't have one that is proven or one that lifts the team around them. 2026 isn't going to move that needle.
Indianaopolis Colts
Daniel Jones is their guy, but they don't have anyone ready to pick up the torch if he goes down again. The Colts invested a lot of money in a quarterback that can't stay healthy. Would they be willing to eat a lot of dead cap space and turn around and give it to Mayfield? Probably not, but they have other pieces on the team that give them hope that they are closing in on competing. That can drive a decision quickly, especially with a quarterback.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Sure, the Browns and Vikings would be good landing spots for Mayfield, but the Steelers seem to just embody what Mayfield is as a player. A blue-collar workhorse that is gritty, determined, and confident. Mayfield would be a walk-on hit with the Steelers. He would immediately endear himself to the city and their fans, and he has what it takes to close the gap within the division.
Add us as a preferred source on Google